Parker aftermath: Samoan fans demand change of Trainer

02 August 2018

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The future of former world heavyweight boxing champion, Lupesoliai La’auliolemalietoa Joseph Parker, has become one of the biggest talking points this week following his latest loss to Dillian Whyte on Sunday. Should he continue or not? And should he change his Trainer, Kevin Barry? Prime Minister Tuilaepa believes he should (see story). But do you and why? Adel Fruean asked people in today’s Street Talk and this is what they said:

Fulitau Ale,

38, Toamua

In my opinion, Parker can still go a long way despite the latest challenges. He’s still young and if he chooses wisely what he does next, he can bounce back from this. Two losses is not the end of the world. He can still fight and defeat other champions of the world. As for Kevin Barry, I think he needs a new Trainer, someone to make him angrier. His performance on Sunday showed that he was slowing down, he was unfit somehow and that all goes back to his training and his camp. It doesn’t look like they prepared him properly.

Cathy Tavita,

36, Vailima

He should change his trainer. The reason being is that so far he has had two losses. I think he should train on his own, with the support of his family. It was evident through his previous fights that he was not fit and not fully prepared. That could only prove the incompetence of his trainer and coach, so he should be replaced. I believe Joseph has got skills and great potential but with the right amount of training he can still make it.

Lucy Tavita,

27, Leone

There is nothing wrong with the trainer. I think that in all sports there are bound to be losses and that loss on Sunday was just part of it. You can’t win every fight, losses do not mean failure, it’s just a hurdle to overcome. I support what Kevin Barry has done so far, he has made it so far that is an achievement, easy for so many to judge yet it’s not that easy. I believe Joe can only become stronger and better.

Foe Vaotua, 34

Fulitau Ale, 38

Lucy Tavita, 27

Rosemarie Fiti, 42

Faafetai Filipo, 24

Rosemarie Fiti,

42, Vaitele

I agree that it’s time for Kevin Barry to be replaced. Judging from Parker’s latest fights, he hasn’t been improving, he seems slow and not fit enough. On Sunday, it was so obvious that he was not fully equipped to fight, he kept trying to catch his breath and that was disappointing. It all comes down to the training so I think it’s time for a change.

Foe Vaotua,

34, Afega

Kevin Barry should be replaced. He’s getting old and his skills are becoming outdated. You could say that Parker was not performing his best on Sunday’s fight, that is proof right there of the failure of his trainer. Let’s not forget his past history with previous fighters like David Tua. Parker needs a trainer that brings out the best in him.

Faafetai Filipo,

24, Vaitoloa

I support a change of trainer for Parker. I was so disappointed with his performance last Sunday. I was so excited for his bout but then his performance showcased a lot of things that needs to be improved. And the first thing he should do is change his trainer. Parker can still become the world champion again if he makes the right decision now.